In Texas, you have the right to choose your own workers' compensation doctor. In a case where your employer is not part of a "workers' compensation healthcare network," you may choose almost any doctor willing to treat you under Texas workers' compensation law. In cases where your employer does have coverage through a workers' compensation heathcare network, your right to choose a doctor is limited to doctors within the network, and even there, you can only make your own choice of doctor once without special circumstances. To find out, ask your lawyer or, if you do not have an attorney, inquire with the insurance carrier or employer
Many of the doctors in healthcare networks work for medical clinic chains such as Concentra or Texas Medclinic. Often you will find that those doctors, though very personable themselves, must avoid conflict with the insurance companies and employers that keep them supplied with patients. Very often they will avoid confronting an insurance adjuster about a denied claim even when the medical proof is quite strong because they cannot risk getting involved.
When seeking medical care through a network, it is important to have the counsel of an experienced attorney who knows how to select a doctor that will work for your best interest. There are also exceptions to the network requirements that may allow you to select your own doctor even when your employer has chosen to be covered through a network.
If your claim is not part of a network, you can look for a treating doctor (primary doctor) or specialist HERE. Keep in mind that an experienced lawyer will know the reputation of many doctors in the area who practice occupational medicine.
If your claim is part of a network, you or your attorney may obtain a list of network doctors through the insurance company.
For Texas Mutual Insurance, a list of network providers can be found HERE.
For Travelers Insurance and its related companies, a list of network providers can be found HERE.
For Liberty Mutual Insurance and its related companies, a list of network providers can be found HERE.
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